Moving into an office is a big step when you run a small business or start-up, and finding the right premises in the right location and at the right price is a daunting task. Get it right, and your office premises will help you improve productivity, attract and retain good employees and give a positive impression to your customers. But get it wrong, and you could be left tied into a costly lease with premises that might not suit your needs in the future. Philip Dodson, of Office Planet explains what businesses need to do to find the right office space to meet their requirements.

Before you start the search for your office, you really need to know what type of property will be suitable for your needs. A virtual office solution will provide you with a total office experience without having to physically lease office space. A virtual office package will typically provide your business with the use of a business address, personalised telephone answering, post handling and forwarding and in some circumstances the use of private offices and boardrooms on an ad hoc basis.

The next type, serviced offices are extremely attractive to new start-ups as a first office or companies that want flexibility in a professional environment. Whether you need to move in for a day, a month or a year, serviced offices can be leased on a short term basis and as there is no capital expenditure required, it is a low risk arrangement for your business